[From Home Office File HO 98/71]

James Clark to Hobhouse 16th July 1822

Douglas, Isle of Man, 16th July 1822

Sir

As the attention of Mr Peel has been lately drawn to the salaries of the Constables of this Island, I beg leave to observe that the police of this Town is very inefficient.

Before the salaries are augmented, directions should be given for the selection of proper and able persons to fill the offices of constable; and as Douglas is by far the largest Town in the Island, and with a population greatly exceeding that of the three other Towns in the Island, it will be very proper and fair to confirm upon the chief constable of this Town (who is the only efficient police officer) a larger salary than what may be conferred upon the other 3 chief Constables belonging to Ramsey, Peel, and Castletown. These Towns are very small compared with Douglas, and their respective population pretty much alike.

The influx of strangers into Douglas, in consequence of the Steam Packet is very great.

It is also a measure of great consequence that the Mail should be conveyed by one of the Steam vessels. The cicuitous route by Whitehaven is bad in every respect, and the post office revenue, by reason of it, is cut down in a great degree. I understand this evil is about to be corrected, and every assistance should be given to escalate the measure.

I feel obliged by your last communication, and shall write you soon.

I am Sir your most obt humble servant James Clarke

Notes

Chief Constables at this period would be liitle better than Sergeants.